Waiting for extensive periods of time in check-in lines at the airport may soon be a thing of the past if Amadeus’ new ‘pop up check-in kiosks’ take off around the country.
The travel technology company teamed up with Off Airport Check-in Solutions to create a check-in service where travellers can check-in and drop off bags for any airline, practically anywhere.
Odd right? But it’s totally a thing.
Virgin Australia is the first carrier in Australia to test the system, which uses Amadeus’ Airport Common Use Service (ACUS) cloud technology to provide travellers with an off-airport, fully mobile check-in service that can be set up at any location.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can just switch on your mobile, check-in and then magically expect your luggage to disappear, actual check-in counters will be recreated by Virgin Australia in certain locations such as a cruise terminal, hotel, train station, or a major conference or event.
Once check-in closes, the airline will securely transport bags to the airport, add them directly to the airport baggage system and load them on the aircraft.
So far, Virgin Australia has tested the service in Sydney for cruise ships and oeanliners.
Amadeus’ Head of Airport IT Sales, Asia Pacific, Sarah Samuel, said the system will transform the travel experience and remove one of the most frustrating parts of taking of a holiday – queues at the airport.
“Through this partnership, airlines are no longer restricted in the way they manage passenger flow.”
“With OACIS, they can be agile in their service offerings, avoid queues and congestion, and create a better traveller experience.
“In the future, they may be able to do away with the airport check-in desk all together, opening up that space for other revenue opportunities.”
READ: Amadeus launches destination content for Travel Agents
READ: Amadeus mobile messenger provides safety for travelling employees